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Gasoline poisoning

Definition

This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing gasoline or breathing in its fumes.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

The poisonous ingredients in gasoline are chemicals called hydrocarbons, which are substances that contain only hydrogen and carbon. Examples are benzene and methane.

Where Found

Gasoline

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Airways and lungs:

Breathing difficulty

Throat swelling

Eyes, ears, nose, and throat:

Pain

Vision loss

Gastrointestinal system:

Abdominal pain

Blood stools

Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)

Vomiting, possibly with blood

Heart and blood:

Collapse

Low blood pressure -- develops rapidly

Nervous system:

Convulsions

Depression

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Feeling of being drunk (euphoria)

Headache

Loss of alertness

Staggering

Seizures

Weakness

Skin:

Burns

Irritation

Home Care

Get medical help right away. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the person is unconscious (has a decreased level of alertness).

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

The person's age, weight, and condition

The time the gasoline was swallowed

The amount swallowed

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

Breathing support, including tube through the mouth into the lungs, and breathing machine (ventilator)

Bronchoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs

Chest x-ray

EKG (heart tracing)

Endoscopy -- camera through the mouth to see burns in the esophagus and stomach

Fluids through a vein (IV)

Surgical removal of burned skin (skin debridement)

Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Swallowing gasoline may cause damage to the linings of the mouth, throat, esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and intestines. If gasoline gets into the lungs (aspiration), serious and possibly permanent lung damage can occur.

The harsh taste of gasoline makes it unlikely that large quantities will be swallowed. However, several cases of poisoning have occurred in persons trying to suck (siphon) gas from an automobile tank using a garden hose or other tube. This practice is extremely dangerous and is not advised.

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